It’s Sustainably Soy is a market-driven program designed to recognize products and companies that use sustainably produced soybeans as a key ingredient. For Illinois soybean farmers, the program serves to connect the work done on the farm with the companies and consumers who rely on soy every day. It highlights the sustainability story of Illinois and U.S. soy and helps ensure that farmers receive recognition for the stewardship practices they have long embraced.

SUSTAINABILITY IS NOT NEW TO SOYBEAN FARMERS

Illinois farmers and producers across the U.S. have practiced conservation and stewardship for generations. Protecting soil health, managing nutrients responsibly, improving water quality and investing in precision agriculture are all part of daily farm management. These practices help farmers operate efficiently today while preserving land and resources for future generations.

WHY THE PROGRAM MATTERS TO FARMERS

For Illinois soybean farmers, It’s Sustainably Soy helps create demand for Illinois and U.S. soy in competitive domestic and global markets. By recognizing companies that choose soy-based ingredients, the program adds value beyond the farm gate and reinforces the importance of soy in food, feed, fuel and industrial products.

The program also allows farmers to demonstrate that sustainability is already embedded in how soybeans are grown in Illinois and across the country. By strengthening the connection between farmers and end users, It’s Sustainably Soy helps ensure that sustainability efforts made on the farm are understood, valued and supported throughout the supply chain.

A FARMER PERSPECTIVE FROM ILLINOIS

Our family farm in Greenville has been in operation for more than 100 years. As is true on many multigenerational farms, the production practices of the operation’s early years would not meet the stringent sustainability standards we’ve come to expect today. Over time, as technology, research and knowledge improved, our farming practices evolved as well.

We have learned that sustainable practices are closely tied to profitable practices. Improvements in soil health, nutrient management and efficiency are not only better for the land but also strengthen the long-term viability of the farm. As farmers, we strive to be good stewards of what God has created, caring for the land, water and resources entrusted to us so they can support future generations.

VALUE FOR COMPANIES AND CONSUMERS

It’s Sustainably Soy provides companies with a credible, farmer-backed way to communicate their commitment to sustainability. Companies that participate can confidently share that their soy-based ingredients come from U.S. farmers who follow responsible production practices.

Consumers benefit as well. The program cultivates transparency and trust by clearly showing where soy-based ingredients come from and how they are produced. In a marketplace where sustainability claims can be confusing, It’s Sustainably Soy delivers a straightforward message rooted in real farming practices.

STRENGTHENING THE SOY INDUSTRY FOR THE FUTURE

By differentiating Illinois and U.S. soy in domestic and international markets, It’s Sustainably Soy supports long-term growth and opportunity for soybean farmers. It helps ensure that the sustainability practices farmers use every day are recognized where it matters most, strengthening the soy industry for the future.